Future French-built dredger to feature hydrogen fuel cells

French shipbuilder Piriou has been awarded a contract for the construction of a new hydrogen-powered trailing suction hopper dredger (TSHD) for use in the Occitanie region in the southernmost portion of mainland France.

The LMG Marin-designed vessel will be equipped with hydrogen fuel cells, a hopper capacity of 1,500 cubic metres, and a suction pipe capable of collecting sand and sediment at depths of 32 metres.

Piriou expects to deliver the vessel by the third quarter of 2023.